Aircraft servicing company, GE Aviation Wales, has appointed Mike Patton to lead the Nantgarw-based facility.
Mike, 39, originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, USA, joins the team from the Suzhou China manufacturing operations, where he spent three years as plant leader for the facility which specialises in the manufacturing and assembly of engine components and landing gear actuation. He replaces Adrian Button who has left to take up a new position at the headquarters of GE Oil & Gas in Italy.
On his appointment, Mike said: “Since joining the company I have been extremely impressed with the forward thinking and dynamic team at GE Aviation Wales. Before my arrival I had heard much about the Nantgarw site, not only in terms of the quality of the workforce but also of the facility’s focus on business excellence and customer care.
“Coming into the business my main priorities are ensuring that we maintain our reputation for producing high quality engines and that we continue to deliver to our customers on time.”
In his position Mike will be responsible for leading the site to meet all safety, quality, delivery, and cost goals as well as spearheading the site’s wider growth strategy.
Continued Mike: “GE Aviation Wales has an excellent reputation both here in Wales and in the wider aviation industry and I hope to continue to build on this. We have a long term growth strategy in place and I look forward to working with the team to achieve this.”
Mike joined GE in 2002 on the Operations Leadership Management Program (OMLP). On completing the programme Mike worked for a number of GE facilities across the globe. In his most recent position, Mike was responsible for leading the team to achieve significant growth year-over year, as well as increasing the business’ capability to introduce many new parts.
GE Aviation Wales specialises in the servicing of four main engine types including the GP7000 engine which powers the Airbus A380. Earlier this year, the company received a record number of applicants for its apprentice programme with over 900 applications for the 25 places available.